An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
An unprecedented super-telephoto zoom lens for Z-series mirrorless cameras, the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens from Nikon provides outstanding sharpness across the entire zoom range. Created for the demanding needs of sports and wildlife photographers, this lens covers an expansive telephoto range allowing you to capture thrilling photos and videos in a relatively compact and lightweight design.
Optical Design
Features six ED (extra-low dispersion) glass elements to increase light transmission and decrease light dispersion, effectively eliminating chromatic aberrations and color fringing throughout the zoom range for notable clarity and color accuracy.
Utilizes a single aspherical glass element to minimize distortion and coma at wide apertures. The aspherical element also enables a lighter and more compact size, which is particularly useful for super-telephoto zoom lenses.
A FLC fluorine coating effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt, ensuring easy removal even when they adhere to the lens surface. This coating endures a high frequency of lens surface wiping, and its anti-reflective effect also contributes to the capture of clear images.
Autofocus and Vibration Reduction
STM stepping motor for fast, accurate, smooth, and quiet autofocus with reduced wobbling. This drive system also offers impressively smooth and quiet autofocus performance that is well-suited to both stills and video applications.
A/M mode standing for Auto-Priority Manual Mode enables an easy transition from autofocus to manual during AF operation.
Internal focusing lens design keeps the lens the same size during zoom and autofocus operation. This also allows for a compact form factor capable of close focusing distances.
Provides a minimum focusing distance 4.3', along with a 0.25x maximum magnification at the 180mm zoom position for capturing close-up details and subjects.
Built-in optical Vibration Reduction (VR) system improves image stability by automatically compensating for camera shake. This in-lens technology provides a stabilization effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 5.5 stops faster, reducing camera blur when panning to track fast-moving subjects.
Handling and Design
At its widest setting, this lens is great for locating your subject. With a mere 70° turn of the zoom ring, you can reach all the way to 600mm for tight framing with beautiful background compression.
Customizable control ring and function buttons provide intuitive control points for quickly changing exposure settings and other functions.
Durable and weather-sealed lens barrel along with a front fluorine coating for use in inclement conditions.
Rotating tripod collar offers mounting stability when shooting atop a monopod or tripod.
Compatible with Nikon Z-series teleconverters, the lens allows you to extend your effective focal length to 840mm with the 1.4x teleconverter and up to 1200mm with the 2x teleconverter.
UPC: 018208201174
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Specs
Color
Black
Focal Length
180 to 600mm
Aperture
Maximum: f/5.6 to 6.3 Minimum: f/32 to 36
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
Lens Format Coverage
Full-Frame
Angle of View
13° 40' to 4° 10'
Minimum Focus Distance
4.27' / 1.3 m
Magnification
1:4 Macro Reproduction Ratio 0.25x Magnification
Optical Design
25 Elements in 17 Groups
Aperture/Iris Blades
9, Rounded
Focus Type
Autofocus
Image Stabilization
Yes
Tripod Mounting
Removable and Rotating Collar
Filter Size
95 mm (Front)
Dimensions
ø: 4.3 x L: 12.4" / ø: 110 x L: 315.5 mm
Weight
4.3 lb / 1.95 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
6.52 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
19 x 8 x 7.4"
Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Reviews
Big, Heavy, and Awesom
By Russ
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2025-07-08
Im not a birder, but this was a purpose-bought lens due to the fact that I was going to the arctic and wanted polar bear shots. Regulations and safety restrict how close you can get to a polar bear, so I knew I needed reach even though the subject is very large. This lens was perfect for shooting polar bears at midnight under an arctic sun. It was plenty fast and sharp, although its a heavy beast to carry for a week during travel and in the field, but after all that you get great results even hand-held.
Substantial lens
By Robert
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2025-06-23
I bought this to resume birding photography. It's a big lens and heavy, as one would expect. The Vibration resistance is proving to be very reliable. I pair this lens with a Nikon z7 ii. The camera autonomous if set properly, gives solid results. I've attached a few images to illustrate quality of handheld bird shooting.
I don't have any complaints about the lens. Prime lens options are better, I'm sure but too expensive. While this lens has a price tag that is substantial i feel the lens responds favorably in every way I've used it.
See any errors on this page?
How sensitive is this lens to vibrations and ...
How sensitive is this lens to vibrations and getting bumped around as it might in a wheeled case or in an off road vehicle?
Asked by: Robert
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z) would work very well in a situation like that if you have the lens in a padded bag or padded case.
Answered by: Daniel C
Date published: 2024-01-28
Is it compatible with the Nikon D7200?
Is it compatible with the Nikon D7200?
Asked by: Carlos
The Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens is not compatible with the Nikon D7200 DSLR Camera.
Answered by: Ejona G
Date published: 2024-04-21
Can this zoom be easily hand-held with NIKON Z8 ...
Can this zoom be easily hand-held with NIKON Z8 for bird photography, or do you recommend a tripod and gimbal for birds?
Asked by: Steven
Yes, the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens can be used hand held for bird photography. Using a tripod and gimbal would provide more stability but those items are not needed for all photos.
Answered by: Dan W
Date published: 2025-06-06
Will this lens mount on a Flex shooter Mini head?
Will this lens mount on a Flex shooter Mini head?
Asked by: Linda
To mount the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z) on the FlexShooter Mini Ball Head, you need the Really Right Stuff L85 Multiuse Fore-Aft Plate with 1/4"-20 Screw, BH #REL85PLATE.
Answered by: Lawrence C
Date published: 2023-09-04
What model shoulder strap is recommended for this ...
What model shoulder strap is recommended for this lens & tripod collar to safely shoulder carry Nikon z8+this lens+z TC1.4?
Asked by: Steven
I would recommend one of these straps for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z), https://bhpho.to/3CFXzeV .
Answered by: Rob K
Date published: 2024-03-28
Can this lens be used for night sky shots like ...
Can this lens be used for night sky shots like stars the moon and such or is there a better lens?
Asked by: Dave
It could be used for Milky Way photos, as long as you have a star tracker mount.
Answered by: Douglas
Date published: 2024-03-25
Can this be adapted for an e-mount camera?
Can this be adapted for an e-mount camera?
Asked by: Deborah
There are no lens mount adapters for mounting the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens (Nikon Z) to a Sony E-mount camera.
Answered by: Boyd H
Date published: 2024-01-28
Size of holes on Tripod collar
Size of holes on Tripod collar
Asked by: Michael
The tripod collar for the Nikon NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR Lens features one 1/4-20" and one 3/8-16" screw hole.